Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. You can find nearly five percent of all known plant and animal species in its world-famous national parks and wildlife refuges. This three-week program is perfect for students who want to learn more about the environment and interact with the marine and land animals of this eco-friendly nation. During this wildlife adventure, we visit some of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions, ranging from breathtaking cloud forests to pristine beaches to lush rainforests. You will have the opportunity to assist local park rangers, scientists, and conservation experts who are committed to protecting the unique wildlife of this beautiful country as well as enjoy ziplining, snorkeling, and waterfall hikes.
Costa Rica
Protecting Rainforest Wildlife
18 days
Trip duration
9th – 12th
Grades
18 days
July 13 – July 30
San Jose, CR
Arrival & Departure
$4,595
Tuition
18 days
Trip duration
July 13 – July 30
9th – 12th
Grades
*Optional Leader Escorted Flight from Miami
Overview
Highlights
- Assist Scientists with Vital Wildlife Conservation Projects in the Cloud Forests of Monteverde
- Volunteer at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for Rescued Animals
- Help Cloud Forest Researchers Tag and Release Tropical Songbirds and Bats
- Look For Rarely-Seen Nocturnal Animals During a Guided Rainforest Night Hike
- Protect Endangered Sea Turtle Nesting Sites and Help Newly Hatched Turtles Reach the Ocean
- Track Endangered Jaguars and Ocelots in the Monteverde Preserve
- Zipline Through the Rainforest on a Cloud Forest Canopy Tour
- 30 Hours of Community Service
Monteverde Cloud Forest Conservation
Travel to the Monteverde Institute to study the amazing cloud forests and help biologists with a number of different conservation projects, including mist netting tropical birds and bats, tracking endangered jaguars, and taking a night hike to search for rare amphibians and reptiles. Collect data that will help scientists create better conservation and management practices, benefitting the unique animals that call these cloud forests home.
Wildlife
Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation
Work with a local non-profit organization to help protect endangered sea turtles. Learn about sea turtle ecology, help monitor the turtle nursery, and patrol the nesting beach to collect monitoring data on sea turtles and protect recently-laid eggs. You may be lucky enough to see turtles nesting along the beach or help newborn hatchlings safely reach the ocean.
Sea Turtles
Wildlife Rescue Center
Help out with various projects, which include preparing food, helping to feed the animals, and building and expanding a permanent outdoor habitat structure. Your hard work goes a long way in providing a safe and healthy environment for the rescued animals. As a reward for your hard work, spend an afternoon hiking among the forests of a surrounding volcano and soaking in tranquil hot springs.
Service
Wildlife
Cloud Forest Canopy Zipline
Take to the skies to get a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy through a series of suspension bridges and zip lines. The higher elevations and cooler temperatures of the northern mountains create Costa Rica’s famed cloud forests, home to thousands of animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Howler monkeys, toucans, blue morpho butterflies, and resplendent quetzals as you soar over the misty forests below.
Rainforest
Explore
Common Questions
Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate, and cultural differences. You will receive this packing list in the comprehensive Welcome Packet that is sent to all students after they enroll in a program.
Costa Rica is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your program. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first-aid kit and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).
During this program, we sleep in a variety of accommodations: small hotels, community houses, and jungle ecolodges.
Typically we will take a private 20-person shuttle from place to place. We also take a short ferry ride during the turtle project portion of our program.
On this program, you will experience typical Costa Rican fare – rice and beans. This staple is supplemented with a delicious assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. The group will also be creating the menu and preparing the meals during some sections of the program. Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. Students should inform ARCC of any dietary needs before the start of the program.
Have questions? Speak to one of our Program Directors, give them a call at (415) 332.5075 , they love talking about their trips!
